What You Need to Know

Before You Travel

Website Descriptions

Every reasonable effort has been made to describe fully and as honestly as possible the holidays offered and every reasonable attempt will be made to supply what has been described.

1. All our accommodation is licensed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Greek Tourism Organisation & the Egyptian State Tourist Office - the ratings given are their official ratings. There are of course variations within each rating and this is reflected in the price.
2. A ‘child discount’, which is shown on the price panel as a percentagediscount off the basic holiday cost. At some hotels, the above savings may be extended to up to 2 or even 3 children sharing a room with 2 full fare paying passengers. Similarly, you may find that 2 children sharing a separate room when travelling with 2 full fare paying passengers will also be entitled to a discount. See each price panel for details.
3. During certain periods some facilities and features described may not be operational or may be withdrawn at short notice due to maintenance, low demand and/or adverse weather. Similarly, climatic control, heated swimming pools, children’s clubs and outdoor facilities, activities or entertainment mentioned in the hotel descriptions may only be available at certain times of the day and/or year.
4. Please ensure you select the right holiday to suit your requirements. If you are attracted to a hotel only because of one particular facility (see No3) please check with us before departure to ensure it will be available during your stay.
5. General photographs (excluding hotels/apartments) may not always be of the resort represented on the particular page. They are shown and have been chosen to indicate an aspect which can be common to several resorts. Artist’s impressions and computer generated images have been used in some instances only to give you an idea on how the property will look and may not reflect the exact final result.
6. All distances quoted in descriptions are ‘approximate’. Similarly, when we indicate distance in ‘walking time’, we have taken as our norm an adult walking at a pace in keeping with sub-tropical climate.
7. If you have any queries about any aspect of your holiday please do not hesitate to talk to us prior to your departure.

Child Special Offers & Prices

Most hotels featured in our programme offer special discounts/prices for children (2-12yrs). Please refer to relevant information on this website.

Disabled Guests & Guests with Walking Difficulties

If any member of your party is disabled or has walking difficulties, please seek our advice at the time of booking to help you choose a suitable resort and accommodation. Due to the fact that some resorts are built on hills and/or may require you to negotiate many steps it is vital you ensure the suitability of a particular accommodation and resort before you book. Please note that we cannot be held responsible if you fail to advise us at the time of booking of any special requirements or special needs that will affect your holiday enjoyment and this means that we will not be able to compensate you. Collapsible wheelchairs are accepted on all our flights provided you have notified us at the time of booking. If you are travelling to Cyprus, you may wish to contact the Cyprus Paraplegic Organisation (P.O. Box 4014, Nicosia, Cyprus - Tel: 00357 22 462441 - www.paraquip.com.cy) for advice about hiring a wheelchair in Cyprus.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

As of 1 January 2006, the E111 has been entirely replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Just like the E111, the EHIC entitles all UK residents to reduced cost (sometimes free) health care, if necessary, whilst travelling in most European countries. The quickest way to get an EHIC is to apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers as customers will receive it within 7 days. Alternatively, customers can call the EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 20 30 or pick up an application pack from local Post Offices. It can take up to 21 days for the EHIC to arrive if applied for by post. Please remember that the EHIC is an addition to travel insurance and should not be relied upon instead of travel insurance. Some insurance policies may be deemed invalid without the EHIC and you should check with your insurance provider before travelling.

Food

Please note that since 1st May 2004, the introduction by travellers of personal packages of meat, meat based products, milk and dairy products into the EU are banned (except for baby food and food used for medical treatments).

Health Regulations

Please check up-to-date health regulations with us or your doctor at the time of booking. If you are travelling to Egypt, the Department of Health currently recommends protection against malaria, cholera, typhoid and polio as detailed in the Department of Health Leaflet T4 (The Travellers Guides to Health). Due to constantly changing political and health situations we have listed the following government agency websites for up to date information purposes as they provide regular updates, warnings and advice. Foreign Office Travel Advice: www.fco.gov.uk/travel and Department of Health Travel Advice: www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice

How to Book

Once you have decided which holiday suits your requirements, follow the on-line booking procedures to check availability. Once you have made your booking and paid the required deposit, a booking reference will be given to you. All correspondence will be sent to the address you will give us at the time of booking.

Infants

When required, baby cots must be requested at time of booking. No twin-bedded rooms (unless specified otherwise) can accommodate an extra bed as well as a baby cot. Cots provided abroad will not necessarily conform to British Safety Standards and we urge you to verify, on arrival, the suitability of the cot provided. We advise you to take your own baby cot linen. On charter flights, the airfare for infants aged under 2 years old on the date of return is £39; on scheduled flights, the charge will be confirmed to you at the time of booking. Please note that infants are not entitled to any luggage allowance on flights.

Know Before You Go

We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all we can to ensure all travellers stay safe abroad. Please visit their website (www.fco.gov.uk/travel) in order to gain further information about health & safety, holiday insurance, holiday money as well as find excellent tips and advice when going abroad.

Passports and Visas

All adults and children alike, as well as infants, must have a valid 10-year passport to travel. Carry it in your hand luggage whilst travelling and please make sure it does not expire during your holiday. All passports must be valid for a further 3 months (for Cyprus & Greece) or a further 6 months (for Egypt) following your return date to the UK. Additionally, all visitors to Egypt must have a visa. British passport holders can obtain a visa from the Egyptian Consulate in London (Tel: 0870 162 0833/0832) or locally on arrival in Egypt for UK£15 per person (travellers cheques and Egyptian currency are not accepted).

Holders of non-British passports please check passport regulations with the Cyprus High Commission (Tel: 020 7499 8272) or the Greek Embassy (Tel: 0207 221 6467) or the Egyptian Consulate in London (Tel: 0870 162 0833/0832). It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of a valid passport and any necessary visa. Please note that new British passports now take a minimum of 1 week to be issued in the UK.

Sending Payment

Please follow the credit card payment procedures as shown when you make your on-line booking. A 3% charge applies to all credit card payments (no charge for debit cards).

Single Supplements

If a single person occupies a double room, he/she will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). This is because hotels tend to price all their rooms as doubles or family rooms and they do not reduce the rates if it is occupied by a single person. The costs to the hotel of providing the room - heating, lighting, cleaning, etc., are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room. Single rooms are limited in availability and may be smaller than double or family rooms, but are normally priced on the same basis, irrespective of design or size. A single room will have ‘inland view’ unless otherwise described on your confirmation/invoice.

Special Requests

Any ‘special request’ that do not form part of the holidays described on this website (such as diet, adjoining rooms, wheelchair, etc.) must be notified to us at the time of booking and submitted to us in writing. Your ‘special request’ will be forwarded to the service supplier but cannot be guaranteed. Any applicable supplement relating to your ‘special request’ must be paid by yourself in the resort unless notified on your holiday invoice.

Travel Documents

Provided we have received full payment of your holiday, your travel documents will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to your travel date. If you book or do a name change within 17 days of departure, a late booking administration fee will apply. You may choose to have your tickets sent to you or arrangements can be made for tickets to be collected at the airport. The minimum charge will be £12 per person for charter flights (administration fee applicable for scheduled flights will be confirmed at the time of booking).

What is Included in Your Holiday Cost

• Flights from UK airport to your destination airport and return.
• In-flight snack/meal on some airlines.
• Airport charges including UK passenger charges, foreign airport taxes and UK airport/airline security charges (any additional increase in these charges will be notified at the time of booking).
• Aviation insurance security levy.
• Baggage allowance is 15 or 20 Kgs (as advised by airline).
• Private taxi transfer from your arrival airport to your holiday accommodation and return (based on 2 persons sharing a taxi). N B: This does not apply when booking a villa where car hire has been included in the price.
• Accommodation as indicated on your final documents, incl. service charges. On all day flights, your accommodation is reserved from midday on day of arrival until midday on day of departure. On all night flights your accommodation is reserved from midday prior to your arrival. This means that your room will be available for you upon your arrival during the night or early hours of the morning and this is considered to be the first night of your holiday. On your return date of travel you will be asked to vacate your room at 12 noon prior to travel. It may be possible to delay your check-out of your hotel for a supplement. Please ask us for details at time of booking.
• The services of our local agent or representative at our featured destinations.
• Car hire when pre-booked and pre-paid prior to travel.

What is Not Included in Your Holiday Cost

• Transport from your home to your departure airport and return.
• Flight supplements when applicable.
• Holiday insurance which you must have.
• Any extra charges made by the airline over and above what has been included in your holiday cost for aviation insurance security levy.
• In-flight snack/meal on some airlines.
• Visas when applicable.
• Extra services at your resort/accommodation such as drinks, laundry, personal items, watersports/beach facilities, air conditioning/heating, health club/gym facilities unless specifically shown as being ‘free’ or ‘complimentary’, a charge may be made (on some of these items, such as air conditioning, VAT will also be added to cost).
• Supplement for private taxi transfer from your arrival airport to your holiday accommodation and return when travelling on your own.
• Facilities for which a supplement is applicable (Sea View, Pool View, etc.).
• Under-occupancy for studios, apartments and villas as shown.
• Baby cot & food unless otherwise advertised.
• Breakages or damages caused by you or your party whilst in your accommodation.
• Charges made by some airlines for golf clubs, surf/windsurfing boards and diving equipment.
• Administration fee for issue of tickets for holidays booked within 17 days of departure. Tickets may be sent to your home or be available for collection at your departure airport.
• Excursions.
• Car hire.

Your Holiday Cost

• Your holiday cost relates to your holiday accommodation, date of travel and duration.
• Please refer to full details and conditions applicable to ‘discounts’ and ‘supplements’ that may apply to your booking. Some supplements vary according to your travel date and are charged according to the actual dates of your stay at the accommodation.
• Flights supplements as advised.
• We strongly recommend you take the holiday insurance which we highlight.
• Prices which make up the inclusive cost quoted on your final invoice are based on special contract rates. Planet Holidays have no control or jurisdiction over prices that may be charged at your holiday destination for the same or similar services and can accept no responsibility or liability if these differ from those quoted herein.

Useful Addresses & Telephone Numbers

• Cyprus Tourist Office (CTO)
  17 Hanover Street, London W1R 0AA - Tel: 0207 569 8800
• National Tourism Organisation of Greece (NTOG)
  4 Conduit Street, London W12 0DJ - Tel: 0207 495 9300
• Egyptian State Tourist Office
  Egyptian House, 170 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD - Tel: 0207 7493 5283
• The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)
  Tel: 0845 850 2829 - 24hrs recorded message 0374 500 900

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What You Need to Know

Getting There

Airport Lounges

Airports lounges are available at a number of airports. Please note most lounges may not be open 24hrs and children under 12 (18 for Belfast) will be denied access even when paying full price. Smart casual dress is required.

Baggage Allowance

Due to an increase in security control, only one piece of hand luggage weighting no more than 5kgs and no larger than 45”x35”x20” is acceptable. Baggage allowance is normally 20kgs for each person but may vary depending on the airline (if a suitcase is shared by several members of your party, it must not weigh more than 32kgs). A half-set of golf clubs may be taken on most airlines over your 20kgs allowance but you must notify us at the time of booking. Some airlines may charge in which case you will be advised at the time of booking. A minimum charge of £11 will be made to carry a surf board and £45 for a windsurfing board. Your airline ticket is subject to the conditions of carriage of the airline which may limit or exclude liability for certain events. These conditions are the subject of international agreements between countries and (upon reasonable notification from you), will be made available for inspection at our offices.

Check-in & Flight Timings

Flight timings detailed are based on the 24hr clock and are for guidance only and subject to alteration. Please check your travel documents carefully as your flight tickets indicate your correct time of departure. Due to increase security measures at UK airports, it has become necessary to extend pre-flight check-in times. We recommend that you check-in at least 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. If you fail to check-in on time, the airline is entitled to refuse to allow you to board the flight. We cannot accept responsibility if such situations arise, and while we will endeavour to assist in making alternative travel arrangements to get you to your destination, any costs or loss incurred as a result will be your responsibility.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Charter flights offer tremendous value for money, however in many cases the seat pitch is less than that of scheduled flights and some passengers may therefore find it a little less comfortable. The risk of deep vein thrombosis occurring while travelling by air is extremely low. However there are a number of precautions you can take to further reduce the risk. Periodic exercising of the feet and legs or walking around where feasible is advised to reduce the risk. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to prevent dehydration.

Disorderly Behaviour

For the safety and comfort of all clients the aircraft, Captains have the right at their complete discretion to refuse boarding to anyone who is or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Furthermore in the event of inflight disruption the airline will report the offender to the relevant authority prior to arrival at the destination and will seek reimbursement for any additional cost incurred if a diversion becomes necessary. See ‘Booking Conditions’, Paragraph No 8, General conditions - Behaviour.

EU Directive No.2111/2005

In accordance with EU Directive, (EC) No.2111/2005, Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a ‘Community List’ which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the EU Community. The Community list is available for inspection at www.dft.gov.uk

Flight Delays

Should your flight be delayed, we will endeavour to offer you the following: Between 2-5 hours: light snack; 5-8 hours: main meal; Over 8 hours: decision will be confirmed after consultation with the airline.

Flight Requests

Any flight request (such as pre-booked seats, special meals, etc.) must be notified to us at the time of booking and is subject to availability (some airlines may charge for some requests such as Kosher meals up to £20). If you have any special request for assistance (for example wheelchair assistance at the airport) we must be notified at the time of booking.

Identity of Operating Carrier

In accordance with EU regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flights. We usually do this by advising you at the time of booking. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Infants: Infants under six months must sit on an adult’s lap with an infant lap-strap during the flight. Infants over six months and under two years must sit on the adult’s lap unless there is a vacant seat. Charges apply for infants.

Lost/Damaged/Delayed Baggage

You must notify the air carrier if your baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed as soon as possible. For damaged baggage you must write to the carrier within 7 days and in case of delayed baggage within 21 days, in both cases from the date your baggage was returned to you.

Missed Flights

If you miss your flight from UK, we will endeavour to help you find an alternative. We must stress that missing your flight will cause you much inconvenience and, without a doubt, extra expense. Charter or scheduled flight tickets are non-refundable and we reserve the right to charge you for any applicable flight cost, transfer cost to your resort as well as any additional alternative accommodation cost. Unused accommodation costs in the event of a delayed arrival cannot be refunded. Holidays can only be extended if available by arrangement with your Planet Holidays local agent/representatives and additional costs must be paid locally.

‘No-Smoking’ Policy

As with most scheduled airlines, the majority of charter flight airlines operates a ‘no-smoking’ policy on flights less than 7 hours duration.

Pre-booking Children’s food

On some flights, special meals are available for children free of charge. Meal can be booked with our Reservations department at the time of booking or just send a fax to our Administration department no less than 7 days before departure on 0871 871 2240.

Pregnancy

According to airline regulations, women 28 weeks or more into pregnancy, at the time of return travel, must have a medical certificate of fitness to travel - after 32 weeks, permission to fly will be refused.

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What You Need to Know

In Resort

Accommodation

• Self Catering accommodation offers simple kitchen facilities including at least cooking rings (unless we specify ‘mini-oven’ in the appropriate description) and a small fridge. Facilities are adequate for the preparation of snack - not full meals. Importation of food in your luggage is prohibited. Should any item be missing or not functioning on arrival at your apartment/studio, please refer the matter immediately to your Planet Holidays local agent/representative.
• Apartments described to accommodate 4 or 6 persons have 1 or 2 bedrooms respectively and in each case 2 camp beds/sofa beds or bunk beds will be in the lounge/living room area. Please accept that this arrangement will reduce wardrobe space. Similarly, this applies when 3 persons share a studio (1 room).
• The term ‘twin bedded room’ defines a room occupied by 2 persons. The room can be furnished with either 2 single beds or a double bed. Should you have a preference, you must let us know at the time of booking as we may be able to request single beds or a double bed on your behalf.
• Hotel bedrooms described to be suitable for 3 or 4 persons will include 1 or 2 sofa/camp/bunk beds in the room, again limiting wardrobe space and living space.
• Some hotels offer accommodation in ‘bungalows’. The term ‘bungalow’ is interpreted differently overseas and is used to denote a low-rise building usually separate to the main building. These are rarely single units and may be more than just one storey high. Same does apply to the term ‘villa’ in some hotels which may not mean that your accommodation is detached - please ask our telesales advisor for information at the time of booking.
• In many instances, substantial savings are offered when accommodation includes sofa/camp/bunk beds for extra passengers in a room normally reserved for 2 persons and the inconvenience you may feel because of limited space has been off-set by the cost reduction.
• It must be understood that accommodation will be open-plan unless we specify that there is a ‘separate’ lounge/sitting area.
• Family rooms and four-bedded rooms may not necessarily be larger than standard rooms.
• Accommodation reserved on your behalf as shown on your final confirmation/invoice cannot be sublet, shared or assigned to guests not named on your confirmation/invoice. Furthermore, as we have no control over the behaviour of visitors or residents at your hotel/self-catering complex, we cannot accept responsibility for their acts and/or inconvenience caused to you as a result of their behaviour.

Alcohol

Most people like to indulge during holidays. There are times however, when alcohol is best avoided. You should not drink alcohol before swimming and it should be avoided during sunbathing, since it causes dehydration. Never drink if hiring a car, as drink-driving laws exist in most countries. Drunken behaviour in accommodation and on board aircraft can result in you being asked to leave the accommodation or the aircraft accordingly. In such cases, our contract with you will cease and we will have no further responsibility for you.

Special note for Egypt: many local restaurants in Egypt do not serve alcohol. Please also be aware that imported foreign wine offered to you during your meals in restaurants at your hotel in Egypt will inevitably be highly expensive compared to what we are used to in the U.K. and we urge you to check prices before you order - alternatively, choose from a selection of local Egyptian wines that are cheaper than imported labels

All-Inclusive

If you choose the ‘All Inclusive’ option you may need to wear an identity bracelet or carry an ID card whilst on holiday. This is to ensure that only those who have chosen the ‘All-Inclusive’ package take advantage of all meals, drinks and facilities on offer. An unlimited supply of food and drinks will be available so we suggest you pace yourself especially in the first few days of your holiday (most hotels serve one drink at a time). See each property information to see what your ‘All Inclusive’ holiday includes.

Arrival & Transfers

After passing through customs at the airport you will be met by one of our local agent / representatives who will show you to your transfer. All our transfers are operated by private taxi (or private mini-bus) from the arrival airport to your accommodation (and return). Cost is based on 2 passengers sharing a taxi (or private mini-bus) and therefore a supplement will automatically be added to your invoice should you be travelling on your own (minimum £30 depending on route). You may have to share with other guests at destinations where only a limited number of taxis is available and/or when hotels operate the transfers. Four-seater taxis are used to accommodate a maximum of 3 full-fare paying passengers and luggage - should a larger taxi be required to also transport buggies for children and/or wheelchairs, a supplement will be charged direct to you in resort.

Special note for Greece: Holidays to Paxos and Kyllini involve onward transfers by hydrofoil or ferry from your arrival airport. Transfers by sea are not accompanied. Hydrofoils and ferries can be affected by weather conditions which are beyond our control. When hydrofoil or ferry transfer is part of your holiday itinerary we recommend you travel on a ‘day flight’ to ensure same day transfer to your final destination. In case of delay of your flight or cancellation of the hydrofoil/ferry to your destination, you will be provided with temporary accommodation in either Corfu (for holidays in Paxos) or Zante (for holidays in Kyllini), which means that your stay in your reserved accommodation at your final destination will be less that you have booked - however no refund will be made.

Balconies

If you are travelling with young children, make sure they are not left unsupervised on balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged to climb up. When your room is described to have a balcony, it will have either a balcony or a terrace depending on which floor it is situated.

Bathrooms

When accommodation is described to include a bath and a shower, the shower will be an over-bath shower unless otherwise described. When a room is described to have a jacuzzi, the jacuzzi will be a jacuzzi-bath unless otherwise stated.

Beaches Safety and Standards

Our descriptions give a fair indication of the type of beach at the resort and the availability of any watersports or any other beach related activities. The EC publishes a report annually which lists the beaches throughout Europe which do not meet the Commission’s requirements to cleanliness. Swimming outside of designated beaches is very dangerous, there may be strong undercurrents, and swimming in such areas has resulted in loss of life. We recommend that you swim off main beaches and should avoid remote rocky coastlines. Familiarise yourself with the local flag warning systems and seek local advice on which beaches are the safest. Check to see if the beach has lifeguards and swim parallel to the shore within your depth. Children should be supervised at all times and there should be no swimming at night. You should swim before eating and drinking and not immediately after and you should always beware of any ‘zones’ for jet skis and power boats and stay well away.

Scuba Divers please note: it is important that you do not dive for 24 hours prior to your return flight. Should you not comply with this, it may invalidate your travel insurance in the event of illness.

Children

It is inevitable that unless you have booked an ‘adults only’ hotel, especially during the school holidays, children will be present in your hotel. We have no control and therefore cannot be responsible for fellow holidaymakers and their children staying at your hotel.

Climatic Control

Air conditioning/heating is widely available and is normally included in the holiday cost unless advised otherwise.

Dress Code

At most hotels, guests are required to follow a proper dress code in dining rooms & restaurants. While you are not expected to wear formal attire, the dress code is still smart and men must wear long trousers and shirts as shorts, jeans and t-shirts are not permitted in dining rooms or in some of the on-site restaurants. Some hotels may have specific restaurants (in most cases gourmet restaurants with ‘a la carte’ menus) which do not accept children. Should this concern you, please check with us prior to departure.

Fire Safety

Please read carefully all fire safety information which is available in your hotel or apartment. On arrival, always familiarise yourselves with the nearest fire exits to your room or apartment.

Glass Panels

A number of hotels have installed ‘toughened or safety’ glass in their windows and doors. However we recommend you take care when walking through patio doors as it can be difficult to see if they are closed in the bright sunlight. Identifying stickers should be placed on all large windows please let your hotel reception or your representative know if they are missing.

Insects

Mosquitoes, ants and other insects are prevalent in warmer climates. It is advisable to take insects repellents with you in order to avoid mosquito bites.

Lifts

Some hotel and apartment lifts do not have internal doors. This means that the inside of the lift is exposed to the lift shaft. If your hotel or apartment has this type of lift, make sure that you stand clear of the wall and never allow children to travel inside any lift without an adult.

Maid Service

Maid service is provided on a daily basis. Linen is changed daily in most hotels and twice a week in self catering complexes.

Meal Arrangements - Flexible Dining

Most hotels featured are based on ‘Bed & Breakfast’. Whilst the majority of hotels provide full buffet breakfast, some only offer continental breakfast. You also have the option to prepay for ‘Half Board’. This includes breakfast and evening meal and can be either buffet or waiter service at the discretion of the management. Evening meals will consist of a set menu offering international dishes served in one of the restaurants of the hotel. You may prefer to dine ‘A La Carte’ and pay the hotel direct. Clients who have paid for ‘Half Board’ and wish to dine ‘A La Carte’ are sometimes (at the hotel discretion) given some ‘meal credit’ to use as part payment of the ‘A La Carte’ menu. Please bear in mind that guests with special dietary needs (for example, vegetarians, vegans and different cultures) may not find the same variety or options available that they are accustomed to. On a 2-week holiday, you may choose to take the ‘Half Board’ option only for the first week or second week of your stay.

Mopeds, Motorbikes and Jet Skis

Be warned, mopeds are a major source of injury (and even death), especially when in the hands of inexperienced riders. Any insurance cover available when you hire, which is unlikely, would not be adequate in either of these events. Although mopeds and motorbikes look like fun, we strongly recommend you do not indulge. Pushbikes are a healthy option but be careful of motorised vehicles which always have priority.

Due to our own experiences in dealing with injured guests who have hired jet skis over recent years, we have been made increasingly aware of their possible dangers. We do not want to spoil your fun, but would like to highlight the potential hazards involved in hiring jet skis which in the past has resulted in serious injury.

Nile Cruises

For the Nile Cruises featured in our Egypt programme, cruise itineraries and excursions may need to be altered beyond our control. Delays can also be experienced, particularly at locks, and this may lead to the last minute cancellation of excursions or overnight cruising. Due to the number of boats cruising the Nile, several may dock together side by side, which may obscure the view from your cabin. Getting on and off boats may mean having to walk through/across boats decked adjacent to your own. Care should be taken when walking on gangplanks and on any uneven surfaces. For this reason, we do not recommend Nile cruises to guests with physical disabilities or impaired mobility. Three meals are included in the cost of Nile cruises and, if this is more than what you are used to, it may lead to sickness. Furthermore, do remember that when travelling on water you may experience some motion. Banks are not available on-board cruise ships but your guide will allow time for a bank stop during your tour.

Noise

Our experience has shown that if you are used to living in a quiet area, you are likely to find a resort described as “quiet” in this website, subject to a higher level of noise than you might expect. Local people will often start work as early as 6.30am. Motorbikes are very common and they can be heard all night. Many locals keep animals such as sheep, goats, dogs, chickens and cockerels, and it is not unusual to hear barking throughout the night and crowing in the early morning. In general, holidaymakers like to stay up late and make use of all the night-time facilities. Entertainment in all resorts can be open-air and can go on until 2-3am. If you are concerned about noise levels, it is important to read the description of the accommodation in resorts carefully.

Nudity

Nudism is against the law in Cyprus, Greece and Egypt. Although topless sunbathing may be accepted at many resorts, please do check with your Planet Holidays local agent/representatives as your decision to strip may result in a fine or prison sentence.

Overbooking

All bookings will be confirmed with the supplier. However, on occasions, a supplier may subsequently overbook. When this occurs through no fault of our own, we shall make alternative arrangements. Such arrangements are dependent on local circumstances and in this respect the Company’s liability is limited in accordance with paragraph 5 (‘If we change your reservation’) of our Booking Conditions.

Planet Holidays Representation

Cyprus: In Cyprus, we use the services of a local agent’s representatives. Representatives will meet you at the airport on arrival and will organise your private transfers on arrival and departure. You will receive a welcome envelope which contains details of your local agent/representatives. They will call on you the day after arrival to ensure you have settled in. All other visits to your hotel will be by appointment only. You will be given a contact number should you require their services at any time during your stay. With your tickets you will also be given an emergency number which can be used in case of EMERGENCY.

Greece: We employ dedicated Planet Holidays staff on the island of Crete. In most other resorts we use the services of our local agents’ representatives. In Halkidiki, hotels will be responsible to arrange your transfers to and from the airport. In all resorts you will be met on arrival at the airport and shown to your private mode of transport to your accommodation. You will receive a ‘welcome envelope’ on arrival at the airport or at your hotel. It will contain details of your local agent/representative. All visits to your hotel are ‘by appointment’ only. Should you require a visit from the local agent/representative, a contact number will clearly be shown on the information sent to you with your travel documents. With your travel documents you will also be given an emergency number to be used in case of EMERGENCY.

Egypt: Our local agents/representatives are carefully selected and experienced. They will meet you on arrival and organise your private transfers on arrival and departure. All visits to your hotel will be by appointment only and you will be given a contact number should you require their services at any time during your stay. With your tickets you will also be given an emergency number which can be used in case of EMERGENCY.

Playgrounds and Children’s Clubs

Some hotels and apartments in our programme feature playgrounds and other children’s facilities including children’s clubs. These are not always supervised and it is advisable that you supervise your children at all times, throughout your holiday.

Porterage

Very few hotels have porters so you may have to carry your own luggage.

Resort Development

It is impossible for us to foresee building or road works in the vicinity of your holiday accommodation/resort. Whenever we are made aware of such work taking place and if, in our view, it is likely to affect your holiday enjoyment, we will notify you by endorsing a comment on your confirmation/invoice. Please do not let it spoil your holiday. Important: Wherever we state that certain facilities are ‘planned for the Summer/Winter season’ we have no control over such matters. It is therefore wise to check at the time of booking whether the facility is available or what progress is being made.

Responsible Tourism

• Energy must not be wasted. We would ask you to switch off all lights, fans and climatic control when leaving the room.
• Fire in hot country can be disastrous. Do not throw cigarettes or matches unless it is in a proper ashtray.
• Protect the countryside and wildlife. Do not throw litter and/or plastic bags which can destroy not only the fauna but also the flora. Keep noise down.
• Respect the people of the country you are visiting. They have their own culture and religious belief. In religious sites observe the correct dress code.
• Water is a precious commodity and we ask you to conserve it. Although water is chlorinated, if you have a sensitive stomach we would recommend you drink bottled water which is inexpensive and widely available.

Solar Power

Some properties rely on solar power to heat water. If there is insufficient sunlight, shortage of hot water may occur.

Swimming Pools

Very few properties employ a lifeguard. Please ensure that children and non-swimmers are supervised at all times and observe the pool rules at your accommodation. We do not recommend any diving, however if you wish to dive please check that the water is deep enough and that the property allows diving. You should also exercise caution around the pool areas since pool surrounds are often slippery when wet. You should not enter the pool after drinking alcohol. Please note that swimming pools may be temporarily withdrawn for maintenance purposes. Hoteliers and apartment owners may make a discretionary charge for facilities at their accommodation (such as pool, sun loungers, etc.).

Televisions

It is fairly common, particularly in Egypt, that televisions are tuned in to the local network, so even when satellite TV’s are advertised, you will not be able to view the channels available in the U.K. and in many cases only a few channels may be available in English.

Tipping

Tipping is a standard practice which is expected in many overseas countries, particularly in Egypt. Keep a good supply of small change/notes for tipping purposes. If you tip little and often, you won’t go wrong and you will be expected to tip porters, waiters, pool attendants, bar staff, boat crew, coach drivers, taxi drivers, guides and, in general, anyone who offers you any type of service or assistance. Please see ‘Nile Cruises’ above for tipping requirements on-board the Nile cruises.

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What You Need to Know

Going Home

Our local agent/representatives will advise you of your precise departure arrangements, usually 24-hrs before departure. Normally you will be expected to vacate your room by noon on departure day. In the case of a night flight, the vacating day is noon prior to the departure time. We will endeavour to provide facilities for washing and changing etc. up to the time of transfer but this may not always be possible and a charge may be levied.

Late Check-Out

It may be possible to prebook a late check-out and the cost will be advised to you at the time of booking should you so request.

Luggage

On the day of departure, especially if you have to vacate your room a number of hours before your flight, you will have to take care of your luggage which is your responsibility. Planet Holidays cannot be held responsible should anything go missing.

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